MYRModel Year Report

1983 Chevrolet Cavalier

○ Not enough data
1983 Chevrolet Cavalier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:25.130Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1983

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 1 complaint 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 8 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints
1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 3 complaints 1983 3 1984: 8 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 18 complaints 1986 1987: 24 complaints 1987 1988: 12 complaints 1988 1989: 43 complaints 1989 1990: 55 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1991 1992: 137 complaints 1992 1993: 148 complaints 1993 1994: 217 complaints 1994 1995: 271 complaints 1995 1996: 503 complaints 1996 1997: 540 complaints 1997 1998: 345 complaints 1998 1999: 240 complaints 1999 2000: 315 complaints 2000 2001: 243 complaints 2001 2002: 196 complaints 2002 2003: 678 complaints 2003 2004: 330 complaints 2004 2005: 287 complaints 2005

1983: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19821
19833
19848
19854
198618
198724
198812
198943
199055
199156
1992137
1993148
1994217
1995271
1996503
1997540
1998345
1999240
2000315
2001243
2002196
2003678
2004330
2005287

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The engine overheated and flames began to come from under the hood, the plastic overflow tank was melted and the plastic cap melted. (Ohio traffic crash report)…

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-05-22

Electrical system

4 of 3 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and module.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 3 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Sudden acceleration, causing accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25

Steering

1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

Service brakes

1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1982-10-11Fuel system, gasoline82V096000 Possible fuel leakage could occur at the throttle body injection fuel feed pipe connection on the involved vehicles.

    Remedy: The fuel feed line fitting bolt and two washers will be replaced by the dealer at no cost to owner.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1983-04-27Suspension83V042000 The left front suspension control arm which supports the front wheel, brake and steering assembly, may come loose at its mounting bracket. This is due to possible inadequate welding of the bracket.

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the left front suspension support assembly at no cost.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1983-10-20Service brakes, hydraulic83V105000 The brake proportioner valves may break and separate from the master cylinder. This would allow brake fluid to leak and would result in a partial loss of the brake system.

    Remedy: The dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace all suspect valves.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1984-12-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1985-03-22 Engine compartment fires
  5. I
    1986-08-01Engineering analysisClosed 1987-06-01 Seat track lock
  6. I
    1986-09-05Defect petitionClosed 1986-12-19 Power steering failure
  7. I
    1986-09-12Defect petitionClosed 1986-12-22 Sudden acceleration
  8. I
    1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1988-09-19 Power st. Assist
  9. I
    1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1987-08-07 Sudden accel
  10. R
    1987-06-24Seats87V079000 The metal floor pan anchor bar could fatigue and break around the left front outer seat adjuster stud of the drivers seat, allowing the stud to separate from the floor pan anchor bar.

    Remedy: Install a reinforcement bracket on the floor pan anchor bar at the left front outer seat adjuster position of the drivers seat.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    1987-11-17Engine and engine cooling87V165000 Internal corrosion of pulsair check valve assembly could permit exhaust gas to melt the plastic shut off valve and draw valve pieces into the air cleaner and throttle body.

    Remedy: Replace pulsair check valve and shut off valve with newly designed valves.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

    Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1983 Chevrolet Cavalier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 82V096000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 83V042000 · Suspension
  • Recall 83V105000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 87V079000 · Seats
  • Recall 87V165000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 167% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Chevrolet Cavalier have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.